A High Street butchers' shop which opened in 1882 is set to close, as the current owners move on to 'pastures new'.

Buntings of Maldon has supplied goods such as pies, meat cuts and cheese for well over a century, but stress has forced the current owners close the shop.

Stuart Meddemmen, who took charge in 1993, made the announcement in a Facebook post.

He said: "It is with sad regret that I have decided to call time on the business - not a decision I have made lightly but I feel after 29 years it is time for pastures new."

A well-established part of Maldon High Street throughout its 140-year-history, Buntings is part of the Maldon Business Board.

A photo of Maldon High St taken by Herbert Springett in the 1960s.

Alison Gray, Chair of the Board, told Nub News she felt it was 'such a shame' to see the 'iconic' business close.

She said: "Stuart and his team are such lovely people and have been doing an amazing job of serving the residents of Maldon for so many years.

"During the pandemic the team went out of their way to deliver to people's homes always with a friendly smile, which meant so much to so many.

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"We will certainly miss Stuart and his team and wish them all the best for whatever is next."

The butchers' shop began trading in 1882. Although named after Albert Bunting, Mr Clarke William Bunting opened the business and was in charge around the turn of the last century. He was a Maldon town councillor and no stranger to controversy.

According to The Maldonians, by local author and musician David Hughes, Mr Bunting was fined for selling 'bad pork' in the summer of 1900.

He immediately sent a letter of resignation to the Mayor, John Charles Float, enclosing a fee of 1 shilling.

He wrote: "It is, of course, my intention to leave the town at the earliest I can arrange."

However, Mr Bunting withdrew his resignation shortly afterwards.

It is not known whether he got his shilling back.

Known locally for his unique talent for mimicking "a yankee soldier", one of the most amusing stories regarding Mr Bunting is an extract from the Maldon Express in September 1902.

It states: "Clarke William Bunting, of High-street, who did not appear, was summoned for having in his possession, in use for trade, an unjust spring balance. Inspector Laver said the balance was a quarter pound against the purchaser.

"On witness seizing the balance, defendant complained because he wanted it for the next day. (Laughter)"

That's a far cry from the good-quality service provided by Stuart Meddemmen and his family for the last three decades.